The closed operating system of the iPhone also limits NTT DoCoMo from pre-installing some of its applications—including its e-wallet, which allows consumers to pay for merchandise with their smartphones, as well as its i-mode email service—which Mr. Yamada said are important for Japanese customers.

Any commuter pass user who need to travel outside his daily regular zone(s) or route pay a special “cash” fare deducted automatically from the electronic wallet section of his transit smart card (that e-wallet is used for small “cash” purchases like a newspaper, a coffee, a movie ticket etc.)

MY CELLPHONE'S TOO SEXY The Atlantic's Daniel Indiviglio is not sure if American Express's new e-wallet product will succeed, saying, "it won't be a cinch to break into a market that has been around for a while."